Solved Hidden thumb drive inside HP All In One

[Vincenzo]

I was changing the RAM in my friend's HP TouchSmart 520-1030 All In One. When I removed the back cover, I noticed in there a USB thumb drive that is not accessible when the cover is on. Anyone have any ideas what this is for? I've searched online and can find no mention of this. Thanks

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

They are often used for storing passwords or license keys for some software. For example, using Bitlocker in Win 7 Ultimate requires either a TPM module or a USB flash drive to store the encryption keys. Having the USB flash drive inside the computer helps protect it from getting lost, stolen, or broken off.

Edit: I forgot to mention, sometimes they are used for ReadyBoost.

 

[Vincenzo]

OK thanks for clearing that up.

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

My curiosity got the better of me again so I looked up that computer and this is what I found:

"The desktop has one hidden USB 2.0 port for the wireless receiver for the wireless keyboard and mouse. The wireless receiver is pre-installed in that port, saving users a step after opening the box."

If one doesn't need a wireless receiver, they could still use that port for a security dongle or ReadyBoost (although I fail to see much advantage in the latter).

 

[DeaconFrost]

Interesting. I wouldn't have guessed that, but it's good to know what the device really is.

 

[Vincenzo]

Ok that's good to know. Thanks.